30 CAVE BURIAL— UTAH. 



cave was heard of, from an Indian guide, near the Nevada border, in the 

 same Territory, and an attempt made to explore it, which failed for 

 reasons to be subsequently given. This Indian, a Gosi-Ute, who was 

 questioned regarding the funeral ceremonies of his tribe, informed the 

 writer that not far from the very spot where the party were encamped was 

 a large cave in which he had himself assisted in placing dead members of 

 his tribe. He described it in detail and drew a rough diagram of its posi- 

 tion and appearance within. He was asked if an entrance could be effected, 

 and replied that he thought not, as some years previous his people had 

 stopped up the narrow entrance to prevent game from seeking a refuge in 

 its vast vaults, for he asserted that it was so large and extended so far under 

 ground that no man knew its full extent. In consideration, however, of a 

 very liberal bribe, after many refusals, he agreed to act as guide. A rough 

 ride of over an hour and the desired spot was reached. It was found to be 

 almost upon the apex of a small mountain apparently of volcanic origin, 

 for the hole which was pointed out appeared to have been the vent of the 

 crater. This entrance was irregularly circular in form and descended at an 

 angle. As the Indian had stated, it was completely stopped up with large 

 stones and roots of sage brush, and it was only after six hours of uninter- 

 rupted, faithful labor that the attempt to explore was abandoned. The 

 guide was asked if many bodies were therein, and replied " Heaps, heaps," 

 moving the hands upwards as far as they could be stretched. There is no 

 reason to doubt the accuracy of the information received, as it was volun- 

 tarily imparted. 



In a communication received from Dr. A. J. McDonald, physician to 

 the Los Pinos Indian Agency, Colorado, a description is given of crevice or 

 rock-fissure burial, which follows: 



"As soon as death takes place the evelitis at once announced by the 

 medicine-man, and without loss of time the squaws are busily engaged in 

 preparing the corpse for the grave. This does not take long; whatever 

 articles of clothing may have been on the body at the time of death are 

 not removed. The dead man's limbs are straightened out, his weapons of 

 war laid by his side, and his robes and blankets wrapped securely and 

 snugly around him, and now everything is ready for burial. It is the 



